Lehmann himself was guilty of two glaring errors earlier in the season when his miscued clearance allowed Fulham's David Healy to score and then, in the following match, he let David Dunn's shot slip through his grasp to gift Blackburn a point at Ewood Park.

The German was then sidelined with Achilles and elbow injuries and has since failed to win the starting berth back from Almunia.

When asked if Lehmann would return for Wednesday's Champions League trip to Slavia Prague, Wenger replied: "Not at the moment, no."

While conceding the 30-year-old may have been at fault against United, Wenger is in no hurry to make a change to a side that has set a new club record of 25 matches unbeaten in all competitions.

"He rushed out to block the cross and I feel he was unhappy with his decision-making," said the Frenchman of Patrice Evra's cross for Ronaldo's goal.

"But, would he have caught the ball? Could he have stayed inside? He left his goal and didn't get his ball so he'll feel as if he made a mistake. I'll have to watch it again.

"You cannot tell him: 'No matter how many mistakes you make, you'll always be my goalkeeper.' But you have to give him at least two games.

"Lehmann was injured and Almunia has done extremely well since then for 10 games on the trot. I didn't want to disturb the side and until now, he has done very well."

Lehmann, 37, has spoken of his unhappiness at the current situation prompting speculation that he could be set for a move away from the Emirates Stadium in January.